This week the students will create a craft project, participate in a sing-a-long, exchange books, and more!  Please send a special snack in to school with your child on Wednesday.

Enjoy time with family and friends during this magical time of year!  

See everyone in 2016!

Season's Greetings!

Here are some updates from Room 49!

Report cards and conferences:

We have completed the first trimester of the year!  The students brought their report cards home last week. I look forward to discussing their progress with you later this week.

What we're learning:

Math: Division!  This week the students will practice using the partial quotients method to solve long division problems.

Reading: We are taking a break from book groups and diving into Greek Mythology!  The students LOVE learning about the interesting world of Ancient Greece and Mount Olympus.

Language Arts: The students will add to their writer's toolbox as we learn new figurative language skills.  Be on the lookout out for our next holiday writing assignment!  

Holiday Happenings

A note went home today announcing the plans for holiday activities in our classroom.  Students will be creating a holiday traditions card, sharing books, and creating unique 3D paper ornaments!  If you have any questions about these holiday activities, please let me know.  

November Happenings in Room 49

Greetings from Room 49!

This week marks the end of the first trimester of the school year.  Students will receive their report cards after the Thanksgiving Break (12/4), and conferences will be on 12/10 and 12/11.  If you haven't signed up for a conference please email me, or contact the school office to schedule one.  

The students will be taking trimester assessments this week and next Monday.  These assessments help us track student progress and plan future instruction. 

Homework Assignments:  The Thanksgiving story and illustration/craft are due on Monday.  Students should also be studying for their Northeast Region test, which will be on Tuesday.  This is the first region test so please work with your child to help them review and study all the information sent home.  

Our annual Pajama Drive is going on until 12/11.  Thank you to the families who have already sent in PJ's!  Students and teachers will celebrate by wearing their PJ's to school on 12/10.

And finally, THANK YOU for sending in all the wipes.  Cold and flu season is upon us and I will do my best to help the students stay healthy while in our classroom!  

I look forward to meeting with everyone during parent/teacher conferences.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!  

Haunted House STEM Challenge!

Check out the students' haunted house creations!

Click HERE!

Happy Halloween!

We had a GREAT morning on Friday!  Thank you to ALL the parents who visited the classroom and helped the students complete the STEM Challenges.  The students built Pumpkin Towers, raced Ghost Boats, and designed Candy Corn Catapults!  Click HERE to see all the pictures from the morning (Thank you to our photographer Sharon Turcotte!)

On October 30th the class will spend the morning planning, building, and testing Halloween themed creations.  These STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Challenges will spark the students' creativity and engage them in hands-on cooperative learning activities.

Parents are welcome to come any time between 9:00-11:00 to work with small groups as they rotate through the challenges.  We are busy collecting supplies and need your help!  If you have any pieces of cardboard (even cereal boxes), toilet paper or paper towel tubes, please send them to school with your child by next Thursday.  Thanks for your help!  

*Remember, it's also Crazy Hat Day on 10/30! 

What's new in Room 49

Social Studies and Science: Today the students took their first Social Studies test.  Next Tuesday will be their first Science test.  Study guides were sent home a week prior to the assessments.  Reviewing the study guide, making flashcards, and asking questions are great strategies to help your child feel confident and prepared for tests.  

Reading: Book Groups will begin this week.  The students are looking forward to reading and discussing a book of choice with a small group.  

Writing: Using "Be a Better Writer" strategies the class will practice using vivid verbs, descriptive adjectives, and strong adverbs in their writing.  We will also continue to write in journals throughout the week.

Math: Multiplication!  This week we have been reviewing the concepts and vocabulary essential for understanding multiplication.  Next week we will begin practicing strategies for multiplying larger numbers.  Students should continue to practice their facts.  They have all been enrolled in Xtra Math and should use this site as one way to memorize their facts through 12x12.  

October!

The first full week of October brings new lessons and activities to Room 49!

Math -Our first math test will be on Tuesday 10/6.  A review was sent home for homework on Monday night.  The next math unit will be multiplication -keep practicing those facts!  We are also creating multiplication haunted houses.  

Reading- Last week we finished reading Frindle, by Andrew Clements.  This week the students will begin meeting in realistic fiction book groups.

Language Arts - The students will practice "Be a Better Writer" strategies to strength their writing skills.  

Social Studies - The class is hard at work on their Treasure Islands!  There will be a map skills test next week.  A study guide will be sent home on Wednesday.  

Science - The students are learning about the states of matter and molecules.

What's happening this week!

Monday was a half day (which included a surprise fire drill -the class stayed calm and exited the building quickly).

This week for homework the students are typing the final draft of their Summer Sunglasses writing workshop assignment.  Students are encouraged (but not required) to use Google Drive.  Parents are welcome to help their child with this assignment.  *This is instead of a reading response for homework.

Today we had school pictures taken.

Thursday evening Back to School Night starts at 6:15 in the cafeteria.  The students have been working very hard putting the finishing touches on our September projects.  They are excited for you to visit to see what we've been working on.  If you are unable to attend, I will send information about fourth grade home with your child.

What we're learning...

English Language Arts (ELA): 

We are reading the book Frindle by Andrew Clements.  While reading we are discussing story elements, theme, and character traits.  Our first writing assignment is called "Summer Sunglasses".  Students are creating a self portrait with sunglasses, which reflect a fun event from the summer.  This week we began our first Word Study unit.  The root word is uni, which means "one".  Spelling homework will begin soon!

Math: Place Value!  We have been learning how to write and read different number forms.  This week our lessons will focus on multiplying with 10's, 100's etc., comparing/ordering numbers, and rounding numbers.  

Social Studies: Map skills, continents, oceans, latitude, and longitude are just some of the geography skills we've been studying.  This week we will begin the Treasure Island map project!

Science: The students are exploring what it means to be a scientist.  They are conducting experiments, making observations, and more!

Back to School Night!

Back to School Night will be on Thursday, September 24th starting at 6:15PM.  I look forward to meeting many of you and sharing information about the fourth grade curriculum, classroom routines, and more!  See you then.  *Please note this is a change from the original 9/23 date*

September

I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend and is able to spend time with family and friends.  Next week we will begin our homework routine with a reading log and math homework.  Please check your child's agenda for a description of the assignments and due dates.  Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Welcome Back 2015!

We had a great first day of school!  Today we spent time getting to know each other and the classroom routines.  The temps will continue to rise this week so I recommend sending your child to school with a water bottle and lightweight clothing.  I'm looking forward to a fantastic year!

Summer Fun!

Solar Cars!

Solar Powered Fun!

Check out the pictures of Mrs. Fontaine's and Mrs. Demartini's classes testing out their solar powered cars!  

State Fair!

Click HERE to see the Adobe Voice video about the State Floats!

4th Grade Picnic -Hope you can join us!

Adventure at the Aquarium!  

Click here for more pics

Our field trip is on Monday, June 8th!

Here are a few reminders to help you and your child prepare for the day: 

1. Bring a disposable lunch with your name on it.

2. You may bring money for the gift shop.

3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

4. We leave by 8:45 so please arrive at school on time.

5. We will return to school around 2:30.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

The kids and I are looking forward to a fun day! 

Happy June!

Save the Dates!

Our final month of school brings many fun events and activities.  Today I sent home a notice highlighting the following events:

Aquarium Field Trip: June 8th

State Fair: June 19th 

4th Grade Picnic: June 24th 

This week we have the Book Fair set up in the gym.  Our class will shop on THURSDAY during Library time (2:05).

Finally, we will start constructing our state floats next Tuesday, June 9th at 9:00.  Parents are welcome to join us during this time to help the students begin construction....bring your glue guns!

  

IMAX Field Trip on Friday!

Check out the trailer to the amazing and heartwarming movie we are going to see!

http://borntobewild.imax.com/

And thank you to all the parents who volunteered to chaperone this trip!  

Mrs. Costello, Mrs. Waldo, and Mrs. Dorazio will be attending.  

We have another trip on June 8th to the New England Aquarium so more chaperones will be needed!  Details coming soon.  

After the movie we will head to Hopkinton State Park for a picnic lunch and fun on the fields.  Students may bring sports equipment and games to play while we're there.  

Math MCAS

Immigration Day!

Immigration Rap!

We had a great day!  The students presented their family trees, sang their rap song, made family coat of arms, create Statue of Liberty Crowns, and traveled to Ellis Island.  Thank you to ALL the parents who volunteered.  The kids had a blast!  

Here it is............Immigration: Two Sides of the Story!  

Keep practicing....Immigration Day is on Thursday, April 16th!  

 

Supplies Needed!

Room 49 is in need of the following supplies:

*cleaning wipes

*tissues

*glue sticks

*Now is also a great time to replenish your child's marker supply.  We have many projects coming up this Spring that require them.

Thank you!!!

I am SO PROUD of all the students for working hard on the MCAS long composition today.  It was a long day, but the kids focused and gave it 100%!  Thank you for writing the encouraging letters for them.  It was great to see their faces light up this morning.

We will celebrate their success tomorrow with our Brownie Points Reward Party.  They may bring in sleeping bags, pillows, slippers, a stuffed animal, games, books, crafts, and more!  It will be a great way to spend the afternoon. 

Images of the Southwest

Click HERE to see the kids AMAZING artwork!

Images from the Southwest Region Project

Click HERE to see pictures of the students working on their Social Studies project this week!

March marches on.....

It's hard to believe that we welcome Spring on Friday!  

Slowly the snow is melting and we're beginning to see signs of warmer weather....

Here is an update on what we're learning in Room 49:

Math - Decimals -we have been working on reading, writing, and understanding decimals using tenths and hundredths.  This week we are comparing, ordering, and adding decimals.

Reading - This week we began reading The Van Gogh Cafe by Cynthia Rylant.  We are using this "magical" story to practice writing chapter summaries using the main idea and supporting details.

Writing -Narrative writing -the students are working on the skill of editing and revising their work.  Opinion Writing- we are also reading and writing opinion pieces using the OREO format (Opinion. Reason, Evidence, and Opinion).

Science - This week the students started learning about SOUND with Mrs. Demartini.

Social Studies -Welcome to the Southwest!  The students are excited to learn about this interesting region (only 4 states!).

Family Tree Project

Today the students brought home directions for the 4th Grade Family Tree Project.  This project is connected to our upcoming Immigration Unit in Social Studies and ELA.  The packet and family tree are due by Friday, April 3rd.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Nonfiction Book Reports

Click HERE to check out the students' nonfiction book reports!  Make sure the volume is turned up :)

Nonfiction Book Report Questions

Attention Students!  

Time to post a question to go with your book report.  

In the comment section below, ask a question, which can be answered by the class after you present your report.  Be thoughtful about what you ask -reread your report to find an interesting fact.  We will answer the questions as a whole group once all the reports have been presented.  

Welcome Back!

February break is over, but winter marches on!  

This week we should actually have five full days of school...fingers crossed!  

Here's what's happening in Room 49.  

Math -Fractions!  This week the students will learn how to decompose and multiply fractions.    

Reading - Students are creating Mount Everest travel brochures using a variety of resources in the classroom.  

Writing - Opinion writing (persuasive)  Students will read a variety of articles and books to find evidence supporting an author's opinion.  They will then practice writing their own opinion pieces.

*This week for homework the students will be writing the first draft of a long composition.  It is due on Monday.  We will edit, revise, and write the final draft in class.*

Social Studies - Midwest region fact flippers

Science - Current and static electricity

Nonfiction book reports are due by FRIDAY!!!

Valentine's Party Update

Room 49's Valentine's Party will be on 
Thursday, February 12th.

Due to the impending forecast of more snow, I have decided to move our class party to Thursday.  Please have your child bring their valentines and a special snack to school by 1:00pm.

Thank you!  

Snow, snow, and more snow....

More snow brings us another short school week!  

Hopefully we can get back on track with our routines once this weather pattern slows down.  

A FEW REMINDERS:

Beginner Band starts TOMORROW, Wednesday at 8:20.  All students who play an instrument will attend this band lesson every week.  

Nonfiction book reports -students should be learning about their topic and collecting information for their report.  All typed reports and completed projects are due by 2/27.

VALENTINES  -please remember that NO CANDY can be sent in with the valentine cards.  

Valentine's Day in Room 49

We will have a Valentine's Day celebration on Friday, February 13th.  

The students WILL be exchanging valentines.  

I will send home a class list with names this week.  

Craft Project: We need empty soup/vegetable cans for a special craft project.  

Please save and send cans to school with your child.  Thank you!

Nonfiction Book Report

Nonfiction Book Report

*Don't forget to add your book report topic in the comment section below!

Today students brought home the directions for their nonfiction book report.  

All nonfiction books and topics should be chosen by WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28th.

*Note: this is a change from the date printed on the directions page.  

STUDENT ASSIGNMENT:

In the comment section, please post your NF topic and your name.

If you are using your gmail account, you can post using it. BUT, if you don't have access to your gmail account at home, please post under ANONYMOUS and sign your name.  

Example: My topic is volcanoes. 

-Sarah

***Mr. Walsh has the students' Google Drives up and running!  Students may access their account at home, type their story on the Drive, and share it with me (via fontaines@grafton.k12.ma.us). ***

First drafts of Greek Myths were sent home on Monday.  Students need to type (or handwrite) the FINAL DRAFT of their story.  Please have your child either complete the final draft independently or with adult support.  It is important that students are involved in the revision process when publishing their story.  Thank you!   

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and vacation time with family and friends.  

We are back into the swing of things in Room 49!  

Here is an overview of what we're learning this month in 4th grade.

Math -We are wrapping up our division unit this week.  

On Friday the students will take the division assessment.  

Students should continue to practice new multiplication and division skills.  

Next week we will begin learning about fractions.  

Reading - This month the students will be reading a variety of nonfiction texts.  

We are learning about nonfiction text features and text structure.  

Language Arts - This week we began writing long compositions based on narrative writing prompts.  The students' are practicing writing detailed and well-developed stories.  Their stories should reflect an understanding of paragraphs, dialogue, and figurative language.  

Social Studies -On Thursday the class will take the Southeast test.  The study guide was sent home last week.  They are also putting the finishing touches on their duct tape license plates.  

Next stop on our USA tour....the Midwest!

Science -Students are conducting experiments to learn about energy with Mrs. Demartini.